Brahms: Symphonies Nos 1 & 3

This new set from the Philharmonia completes the collection of Brahms symphonies conducted by Christoph von Dohnányi.

Symphony No 1 (or 'Beethoven's 10th' as conductor Hans von Bülow refered to it) took Brahms at least 14 years to complete. It was premiered in 1876 to great acclaim. No 3 was written in 1883 and is perhaps the composer's most elusive symphony. It is certainly his most adventurous, featuring daring modulations and a Schumann-esque scheme of thematic inter-relationships.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is widely recognized as the UK's finest orchestra with an impressive recording legacy. Christoph von Dohnányi has been affiliated with the Philharmonia since 1994. He was made Honorary Conductor for Life in 2008 after 11 years as Principal Conductor.

SIGCD250 82 minutes 13 seconds (2 discs)

'The excitement builds steadily, with impressive horn-playing to herald the finale's 'big tune'. The Third Symphony's gentler climate suits Dohnanyi's approach, and is graced with Philharmonia playing ...